Criminal convictions

If you have a criminal conviction, there are certain circumstances where we’ll need additional information after you’ve accepted an offer. This page explains when disclosure is required and outlines how we approach the process with care and respect.

At the University of Hertfordshire, student safety and fair access to education are both important. This means that some applicants are required to disclose relevant, unspent criminal convictions after accepting an offer. Any information shared is considered individually, in line with course requirements and legal obligations. Disclosure alone does not determine an outcome, and all information is handled sensitively and confidentially throughout the review process.

When and why you need to disclose

If you accept an offer to study at Herts, you’ll need to tell us about any relevant, unspent criminal convictions within 14 days. This helps us make sure our community is safe and supported. Sharing this information allows us to understand your circumstances properly and consider your application fairly, while balancing your opportunity to study with our wider responsibilities. You may want to read the University's Admissions policy UPR SA03 which supports this guidance.

What counts as a relevant conviction?

You only need to disclose relevant, unspent convictions. These are offences that could affect safety at the University, such as serious violence, sexual offences, arson, firearms offences, terrorism related offences, or commercial drug supply. Not all convictions are relevant, and this list is not exhaustive. If you’re unsure, you can email the Declarations team in confidence, and we’ll help you understand what applies.

How to disclose

Disclosing is straightforward. Email our Declarations team with your name, applicant ID, the course you’ve applied for, and the offence title. You don’t need to provide further detail at this stage. Your information will be handled sensitively and only shared with staff involved in the review. We recommend using an email address you’re comfortable using for confidential contact.

What happens next?

Telling us about a conviction does not automatically affect your offer. Every disclosure is looked at individually, using a fair and proportionate approach. If your conviction isn’t considered relevant, no further action is taken. If it is relevant, we may ask for more information so we can understand any potential impact and support you appropriately.

Data protection and retention

We take your privacy seriously. Information about criminal convictions is processed in line with data protection law and University policy. We do not retain information if a conviction is not relevant. Where a conviction is relevant, details are held only for as long as necessary and reviewed regularly. Your data is handled securely, lawfully and with care at every stage.